Vocal performances this weekend

A selective listing of performances for the weekend of 3/27-3/29:

Seattle Opera Young Artist Program presents
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(opening weekend, runs through April 5)

from the Seattle Opera website:

What happens at night when the lights go out? Delicious and dark, entertaining and erotic, A Midsummer Night's Dream is an intoxicating blend of mortals, mechanicals and faeries, all thrown together in one place at one time. Benjamin Britten’s setting of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy has everything from gorgeous shimmering string melodies to a hilarious parody of bel-canto opera. Set in an English boarding school, the Seattle Opera Young Artists production explores the notion that you don’t need a phoenix-feather wand in order to make magic. We will perform the opera in English in the intimate Meydenbauer Theater. This is a chance to get up close to the magic of A Midsummer Night's Dream in a way that is not possible in more conventional opera houses. Come and enjoy our young and energetic cast as they realize that the course of true love never does run smooth!

Meydenbauer Center
Friday, March 27 -7:30 pm
Saturday, March 28 - 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 29 - 2 pm

*****

Hello, Dolly!
LAST WEEKEND

from the 5th Avenue Theater website:

"Hello, Dolly! Well hello, Dolly! It's so nice to have you back where you belong."

One of America’s most beloved musicals is back on The 5th Avenue stage for the first time in 27 years. When the irrepressible matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi is hired to arrange a marriage for the miserly half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder, she finds him the perfect mate – herself! But first she must win the heart of her unsuspecting “husband to be” before he gets hitched to somebody else. Brimming with joyful tunes from “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” and “It Only Takes a Moment” to the irresistible title song, Hello, Dolly! is a delectable treat for musical theater lovers of all ages.

5th Avenue Theater
Friday, March 27 - 8 pm
Saturday, March 28 - 2 pm, 8 pm
Sunday, March 29 - 1:30 pm

*****

U.S.E.
Velella Velella
Strength

from the U.S.E. website:

If nothing else, pop music should be joyous. Nobody knows that better than Seattle, Washington's premier party rock super group, United State of Electronica aka U.S.E.

Since 2002, U.S.E has forced critical and populous audiences alike into fits of euphoric dancing with their life-affirming, rock-based interpretation of electronica. Whether dominating frenzied clubs with Ted Leo, Junior Senior and Death Cab For Cutie, or globally storming clubs and festivals in Tokyo and Osaka, U.S.E proffers the kind of four-on-the-floor beats and unbridled enthusiasm that put likeminded revelers Andrew W.K., Prince, Underworld and Daft Punk on the map. U.S.E has hit upon a raw pop concoction all their own.

Crocodile Cafe
Saturday, March 28 - 9 pm

*****

Seattle Men's Chorus presents Singing...in the Rain

from the SMC website:

Lights, Action, Music!

Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds joins Seattle Men's Chorus in a salute to the golden age of Hollywood musicals. The classic movie musicals of the 1940s and 1950s are feted in this toe-tapping and tuneful extravaganza that will include songs of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and others.

With special guest Debbie Reynolds

McCaw Hall
Saturday, March 28 - 8 pm
Sunday, March 29 - 2 pm

Allergy Remedies for Singers

Even though it doesn't feel like spring yet, I'm seeing lots of students who are experiencing moderate to severe allergies. As annoying and debilitating as they can be, the reality is that most of us will have to perform at some time or another when we are feeling the effects of allergies. Here, then, are some of my favorite home and over-the-counter remedies that may help alleviate your allergic congestion and sinus pain.

**Please note that these are observations based on my own experience and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. I recommend that you visit your primary care physician before embarking on a treatment plan, and always check to make sure that the remedy you choose does not conflict with any of your current medications.

Home Remedies
As gross as some may find them, neti pots are incredibly useful in relieving nasal congestion and sinus pain. Neti pots are used to pour a saline solution through one nostril and out the other; the stream of water washes away allergens and other irritants in the nasal passages. Neti pots have become more mainstream in the past few years and you can now find them at most drugstores, as well as PCC and naturopathic pharmacies.

Warm compresses are helpful in relieving sinus pressure. Simply rinse a washcloth in warm/hot water (depending on your comfort level), wring it out, fold in half or thirds and lay it over your eyes and cheeks. Repeat as needed.

I occasionally use acupressure points to relieve headaches resulting from sinus congestion. Here is an interesting article on acupressure if you'd like to try it yourself.

Exercise can also help - it takes your mind off the pain, gets the blood flowing to different parts of your body, and makes you drink more water.

Over-the-counter remedies:
I try to avoid antihistamines and decongestants as much as possible because they tend to dry out my throat and mouth. If I'm desperate and DON'T have to sing, I'll take Tylenol Severe Sinus. But if I know I'm going to be singing then I just stick to my other remedies. I've learned the hard way that the side effects of OTC sinus medications make it much harder to sing well, and I'd rather sing with a congested nose than a dry throat anyday.

If you've been sneezing or have a sore throat from post-nasal drip, ibuprofen can help to reduce inflammation. I try to avoid taking ibuprofen, but when I need it, I take 2 caplets 20-30 minutes before I need to sing so it has time to work.

One homeopathic OTC remedy that I've had success with is a product called Sinusalia. It relieves sinus congestion pretty well, but didn't help with my sinus headache.

I find green tea to be helpful in relieving sinus congestion and pain. I know lots of singers who use lemon tea with honey when they have a sore throat from post-nasal drip. You could also try Throat Coat from Traditional Medicinals - it contains slippery elm, which coats the throat (hence the name). And of course, drink lots of water.

Lozenges can help soothe a scratchy throat and if you get one with menthol it can help you breathe more easily. My favorites are Vocalzone (don't taste the best but they work like a dream) and Ricola (any flavor will soothe the throat, but I usually go for the sugar-free Lemon Mint).

I find that being in good health overall seems to lessen my allergy symptoms. I take a multi-vitamin every day which keeps my immune system up and running. When I start to drag, I use Emergen-C for an energy boost.

Prescription:
If you experience severe allergy symptoms (to the point where you're unable to sing) for more than a few days, it's probably time to visit your doctor to determine the cause and find a solution.


Other resources:
The Mayo Clinic website has some great articles about allergies and sinus problems.
Voice teacher Peter Van Derick's emergency tips for singers.

Vocal performances this weekend

A selective listing of performances for the weekend of 3/21-3/22:

Northwest Chamber Chorus presents Dance!
Saturday, March 21st at 7:30 pm
Green Lake United Methodist Church

Sunday, March 22nd at 3:00 pm
Plymouth Congregational Church

*****
Pacific Operaworks presents Return of Ulysses
LAST NIGHT
Saturday, March 21st at 7:30 pm
Moore Theater, downtown Seattle

*****

Pacific Northwest Ballet: The Broadway Festival
LAST WEEKEND
Saturday, March 21st at 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 22nd at 1:00 pm
PNB at The Phelps Center

*****

Moisture Festival
Saturday, March 21st at 3:00, 7:30, and 10:30 pm
Sunday, March 22nd at 3:00 and 7:30 pm
Hale's Ales Brewpub and Palladium

Seattle G&S Society chorus auditions - April 4

From the Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society website:

"We are accepting appointments for auditions for our 2009 production of Utopia, Limited, one of the least-performed of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. If you are interested in auditioning, the audition information you need is posted here.

This is an opportunity to 'show your stuff' - Utopia is a rarely-performed show, so we have no pre-conceived casting notions - bring your character; we are excited to see what you would bring to the role. This is a show that has many roles for both women and men, so it is a great performance opportunity!"

**Auditions have already taken place for principal roles, but if you're interested in being part of the chorus, you can make an appointment to audition April 4th.

Honors Recital audition results

Congratulations to Achil Jackson, who has been selected to perform at the Honors Recital on May 14th. For a complete list of the students who will be performing, please visit the Music Center website.

"If I rest, I rust" *

Interesting article about Placido Domingo and his lengthy career in today's NY Times. I got to hear him sing the lead role in Tan Dun's The First Emperor in January 2007 and still remember how amazed I was that his voice was that strong so late into his singing career. Read the original NYT review for more details about the premiere of The First Emperor. You can also read my blog post about it here .

This is my favorite passage from the NYT article:

"Mr. Domingo attributes his longevity to his slow start. As a young man he thought he was a baritone. But teachers soon convinced him that he was a tenor. In those early days he worked tirelessly to build his upper range, he said, 'fighting for every semitone.'

'Some tenors are born with this tessitura,' he added, 'and have all the high notes from the day they open their mouths.' (Luciano Pavarotti for one, Mr. Domingo’s great colleague and lifelong rival.) 'But I had to work so hard.'

That early technical work served him well over the years. Young singers looking for a role model of healthy technique could do no better than to observe Mr. Domingo."

*tag line on Placido Domingo's website

Upcoming student performances

Lots of opportunities for seeing your fellow students perform this spring:

Northwest Chamber Chorus presents Dance!
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Green Lake United Methodist Church, Seattle

Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Plymouth Congregational Church, downtown Seattle

from the NWCC website:

"You can guess some of the music on this program. We’ll feature music about dance and dancing, music that makes you want to dance, and music that is written in dance forms and styles. Highlights will include selections from Johannes Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes and Aaron Copland's classic, Stomp Your Foot. The Swedish folk song Domaredansen and the American Shaker song Ye Followers of the Lamb will be included. We'll take you on the wild ride that is Daemon Irrepit Callidus by Romanian composer György Orbàn, depicting the devil dancing in the firelight, setting forth 'trickery amidst praise, song and dance.' Tango will be represented by pieces from Argentina’s master of the tango, Astor Piazzolla, and arranged by the dean of Argentine choral arrangers, Oscar Escalada. Be prepared to tap your foot when you join us for Dance!"

__________________________________________________________

Seattle Women's Chorus presents Lullaby of Broadway

Meany Theater (UW Campus)
Friday, April 10 - 8 pm
Saturday, April 11 - 2 pm

From the SWC website:

"This harmonious musical staging celebrates the women of Broadway: Mama Rose, Auntie Mame, Annie Oakley, Mrs. Lovett, Evita, Elphaba, and Tracy Turnblad to name a few. Seattle Women's Chorus will pay tribute to these great characters, as well as shining the spotlight on some of the many great musical numbers for women, about women, and written by women."

Out of town performances:
04/04: Bremerton, WA
Admiral Theatre - 7:00 PM
515 Pacific Ave. — Bremerton, WA
(360) 373-6743
www.admiraltheatre.org
Tickets: $25 Main Floor; $20 Loge; $12 Balcony

04/19: Olympia, WA
St. John's Episcopal - 3:00 PM
114 20th Ave. SE — Olympia, WA
www.stjohnsoly.org
This is a non-ticketed performance — seating is first come, first served. Admission is FREE,
donations encouraged

__________________________________________________________

University Unitarian Church Loft Choir presents selections from Elijah
Sunday, May 9 - University Unitarian Church, Seattle
Two services, 9:30 am and 11:15 am

__________________________________________________________

Northwest Chorale presents Bach's Mass in B minor
Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 - time and location TBD

Leavenworth Summer Theater auditions coming up

From the Seattle Times' callboard...

"Leavenworth Summer Theater will be holding open auditions in Leavenworth on March 18-22 for the summer 2009 season of 'The Sound of Music,' 'Singin' In the Rain,' and 'Pirates of Penzance.' For more information, visit www.leavenworthsummertheater.org or call 509-548-7324."

(open mike) night at the opera

Interesting article in Friday's NYT (online only for those of us outside New York) about a monthly opera night held in Northport. I love the idea of having a regular event open to the community, and giving amateur singers a space to perform - like an open mike night but for classical music. It seems like it would be a relaxed atmosphere for aspiring professional singers to try out audition material, and it would be a great performance opportunity for voice students. I wonder if we could organize something similar in Seattle?

Studio recital wrapup

Congrats to all who participated in the student recital yesterday, and thanks to everyone who attended - what a great turnout! I was impressed with everyone's performance and heard lots of nice compliments afterward from audience members. I agreed with them all - you were fantastic! Thanks again for making the recital such a success. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

I recorded the recital for my archives; if anyone who performed would like a copy of the recording just let me know.